A CHARITABLE schoolgirl has made a big splash by raising more than £170 for the Tsunami disaster appeal.Year 11 Holywells High School pupil Joanne Bruce took to the water on Saturday, swimming a mile's worth of lengths at Crown Pools.

A CHARITABLE schoolgirl has made a big splash by raising more than £170 for the Tsunami disaster appeal.

Year 11 Holywells High School pupil Joanne Bruce took to the water on Saturday, swimming a mile's worth of lengths at Crown Pools.

The 15-year-old decided to take the plunge after seeing the horrific images from south east Asia following the Tsunami waves that claimed more than 200,000 lives.

She said: "Swimming is something I'm really good at and I wanted to find a way of raising money myself. We all saw how awful the Tsunami disaster has been and it was a way of doing something to help out.

"I hope this shows that even young people can help those who have been affected by the disaster."

Joanne, who has enjoyed swimming all her life and is a member of a lifesaving club, was sponsored by family, friends and even teachers in her bid.

The kind-hearted teenager, from Campbell Road, Ipswich, finished her mile-long challenge in just 20 minutes.

She said: "I was quite surprised I raised so much. I thought I might make about £50 but to raise as much as I did was great. I do know a lot of people and I have a big family so they have all chipped in. It all mounted up really.

"I would like to say a big thank you to the manager of Crown Pools who let me have a lane in the competition pool for the event. I would also like to thank my head teacher for helping me, as well as my family and friends.

"It's definitely something I would do again."